Shabbat and Holidays
Shabbat
Shabbat at the Center for Jewish Life (CJL) is a terrific time for prayer, community and celebration. On Friday nights throughout the academic year the CJL hosts three different services, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox followed by a festive dinner which is fully subsidized for all students. Saturdays feature Conservative and Orthodox services. You can see service and meal times on our Service Times page. If you have other questions regarding Shabbat at the CJL, contact Jewish Life Coordinator, Sara Wolkenfeld.
Holidays
The CJL is committed to providing a place at Princeton for students and community to celebrate Jewish holidays. To see what specific events the CJL is doing for each holiday, check out our Events Calendar. Princeton University has a policy that students will be excused from exams or deadlines because of a religious holiday. Each year, all faculty members are notified of the Jewish holidays. Anyone needing assistance making arrangements with professors should contact Executive Director, Rabbi Julie Roth.
Celebrating the High Holidays at Princeton
Join us in celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur on campus at one of the three services sponsored by the Center for Jewish Life. We value the participation of the University community - our students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni, parents, and community members from the Princeton area. We believe this coming together of University and community greatly enhances the sanctity and power of the High Holidays at Princeton. Please refer to the Service Times page for all holiday service times and the Events page for special holiday meals and events.
For community members who are not affiliated with the University, the Center for Jewish Life requests a donation of $180 per adult or $500 per family to help cover the cost of High Holiday services. Information on the services, ticketing and financial need requests will be mailed in late July and also be available on our website at that time.
Shabbat and Holiday FAQs
What should I wear?
You should feel comfortable wearing any clothes you choose. Some students dress up for Shabbat, but come as you are!
If I’m not Jewish, can I come?
Of course! The Shabbat experience is designed for all Jewish students on campus and we would love to have you join us. Many non-Jewish students join friends/roommates at the CJL. Everyone is welcome at the CJL, everyday!
What if I only want to come to services? Or only to dinner?
Not a problem. Join our mailing list to receive our weekly e-mail, Shalom Princeton, which features Shabbat services & meal times, or visit the Service Times page.
Can I pay with my prox? How much does a meal cost?
Yes! If you feel comfortable, you can swipe into the dining hall with your prox. Or we can place you on a Shabbat list with your full name, PUid and last 2 digits of your Social Security number – no swiping necessary. The dining hall will charge 1 meal for each Shabbat meal you attend. If you are an upperclassman, we ask that you use one of your 2 free meals to cover the cost of Shabbat dinner. If you don’t have one of your 2 free meals available, the CJL will cover the cost of your meal. If you are a graduate student without a meal plan, the CJL will cover the cost of your meal.
What if I’m a vegetarian? Need gluten-free food, or have other dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian options are always available. If you need special dietary considerations, please contact the CJL Administrator, Ruth Palmer.
